Kutno police officer accused of manslaughter

The incident happened on Thursday, when a man was shot after he tried to grab the police officer’s gun after being questioned about an alleged burglary.

The policeman may face five years behind bars if found guilty of the charges brought against him.

According to prosecutors, after questioning at around 2.30pm other police officers working on the same floor heard two gunshots, with a third heard after about seven seconds. It was then that the officer who had fired the shots called for help.

Three bullet shells were found at the scene. An autopsy on the man’s body revealed to gunshot wounds to the head, with the cause of death determined as extensive skull and brain injuries. The police officer was sober at the time of the incident.

However, investogators believe that the 34-year-old policeman – who was wearing plain clothes – did not conceal his weapon, and as such was an easy target for the man being questioned.

“[Any police officer wearing civilian clothing while on duty] must take special care and measures to make sure the firearm does not get into the possession of unauthorised individuals,” spokesman Krzysztof Kopania from the Łódź prosecution underlined.

It has also transpired that the 29-year-old man who was shot had a criminal record and was recently released from prison. Prosecutors have further admitted that the man had undergone psychiatric assessments to determine whether he was criminally responsible. (jb)

Source: IAR/PAP